Panda (Classic) My Panda CLX

[mark2256]

Hi All

Just managed to find a new genuine 4 spoke steering wheel for Holy
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261291375280?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

 

[mark2256]

HI All

Has anyone changed the front panel or is their a guide for doing so.

 

[panda1408]

I have replaced sections of a front panel, it is not an easy job and you need to know what you are doing. There are lots of spot welds to drill out and you need to get the positioning spot on to make sure everything lines up.

Has the original panel been damaged or has it gone rusty?

 

[mark2256]

Hi panda1408

Thank you for the reply. I think Holly had a small shunt to the near side front corner. Having removed the grill the front panel is quite badly buckled and their is a crease in the nearside front wing just in front of the road wheel and the front near side sits further back from the front bumper than the off side.

Although Holly past her MOT like this I am aiming to restore her to her former glory. I am aiming to replace the front panel and possibly front near side wing if it cannot be salvaged.

 

[panda1408]

I see, I don't know what your level of experience is, but if you have not done anything like this before then its probably not the thing to start with.

Basicaly the procedure is to remove all of the spot welds and separate the panel from the inner wings and front crossmember, then repair any damage to these parts if there is any, after that you can start to fit the new front panel, it will probably take alot of jiggling to get it into the correct position and you will need to fix it temporarily with screws or rivets and refit the headlights and bumper etc to make sure everything still fits correctly. Once you are happy you can weld it on with either a spot welder or more likely with a MIG using the plug/puddle welding technique. After that its a case of painting all the new panels and putting it all back together.

 

[mark2256]

Hi panda1408

I have in the past rebuild the front inner wings on a BWM 728I and replaced the outer door sills. Along with other small welding jobs on cars. But nothing quite this big I have my own MIG welder so should be OK. I can get the front panel off EBAY for £79.80 inc. postage.

I will try and get the front bumper and grill of this week and post some photo's of the damage.

 

[panda1408]

Sounds like you should have no problem them, the key is taking your time, no point rushing as if you get it wrong you only have to do it again or it ends up bugging you every time you look at it.

Make sure the front panel you get it the correct one, there are a few different types depending on age. You will need one with two rectangular cutouts for the radiator, rather than one with a circle and a rectangle. The grille mounts are also different I think.

 

[Alixcompo]

You might like to weld in a temporary brace on the inner wings to hold them in place

 

[mark2256]

Hi panda1408

This is the panel I believe fit Holly http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/310693358991?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649. But not going to order yet until further inspection carried out in case of damage to chassis leg.

 

[panda1408]

That looks like the right one to me A brace is probably a good idea and it is better to be safe than sorry, but I wouldn't be too worried about the wings spreading apart aslong as you are not removing the crossmember that is behind the front panel.

 

[mark2256]

Hi and thanks for the tip until I have inspected the damage further I will not know if the cross member needs replacing.

 

[mark2256]

Hi All

I have now managed to remove the front grilland bumper to inspect the damage to Holly.
Here are some photo's

Does any one have any photo's of an undamaged near side front panel please.

 

[firstcar-Y10]

Don't know if this is any good to you:

 

[panda1408]

 

[mark2256]

Hi All

Thank you for the photo's these will help to sort my damaged panda Holly.

 

[mark2256]

Hi All

Call in to see purple haze on Sunday and picked up a new front nearside wing and 2 hub caps. It was nice to put a face to a name. He mentioned to me that a member had done a guide on changing door skins but I cannot remember who it was.

 

[purple haze]

Stuarti...

Find a post by him and click on his website link.

 

[mark2256]

Thank you Kev now saved on my favourites list

 

[purple haze]

Thank you Kev now saved on my favourites list

No problem....looking forward to seeing your panda at some point..

 

[mark2256]

Hi All

Just had a parcel arrive to day its Holly's new steering wheel. How ever I did not read the listing properly The new steering wheel is grey and I need a black one.